Help, with my welds (MIG)

[BriggsTwins]

that's not so much the problem, there are times when the problem is the tool and times when the person using it is the problem. going from what you showed us it looks like a problem in setup for the application you are using it in. Not pointing fault at you, its just a simple oops that makes a miserable time trying to figure it out. Video above is same welder as my own, it works a treat! when its not broken of course... lol! I have burned through 3/16th steel, put an upgraded cooling fan in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3TUVsc--kE this one is actually mine.

it really does well, but there are a couple things i would like to do and will improve the build.

 

[nak18]

I get paid FRIDAY and that means a auto darkening helmet/wire, maybe some gloves.

SQUARE METAL.

 

[nak18]

So this is what I ordered:

4-1/2" angle grinder
Auto-darkening welding helmet (solar/battery)
Square steel (enough to weld the first layer of design after I get my welds right.)


My dad has a wire wheel, so I'll just buy that when I destroy his.

 

[nak18]

Turned up the settings on my welder. Left everything else the same as it was.
Here's what it looks like. Looks like a major improvement to me.
2 hands = GOD MODE.

 

[B-Well]

Turned up the settings on my welder. Left everything else the same as it was.
Here's what it looks like. Looks like a major improvement to me.
2 hands = GOD MODE.

You're getting much better but it looks like your stock was dirty as well. try rubbing it good with some acetone to get the rust prevention oils off of the metal before welding.

 

[nak18]

You're getting much better but it looks like your stock was dirty as well. try rubbing it good with some acetone to get the rust prevention oils off of the metal before welding.

It was dirty, first time welding again since last picture.

I cleaned off the welds with the wire brush. How can I tell if its penetrating?

 

[devino246]

It was dirty, first time welding again since last picture.

I cleaned off the welds with the wire brush. How can I tell if its penetrating?

If its penetrating, the bead will lay flatter.

 

[mckutzy]

Sadly, one thing with these flux cored welders is that if you lay a bead and stop, you have to brush and chip before you start again. All the powdery dust and burnt flux is all over the weld area. This greatly hampers the ability to learn on these machines as it contaminates the weld area. Dont fret too much it is possible to get decent to good results for these machines. A simple steel hand wire brush will do to

Slow the speed down, use two hands to control the gun, have your body firmly planted and supported (like when standing welding at a bench, elbows on table slightly bent over the work, depends on the job)
Sometimes depending on the job, I might count(in my head) when laying the bead. 1 2 3, 1 2 3, like a marching cadence, to help with the movement of the gun. the gun cant jump around, which will deposit bird s+hit weld beads and just mess up the joint.

The penetration can be tested on your coupons(practice strips) buy bending or cut in half with a saw or grinder to see the welding bead on edge.

So far looks alright, but slow down and clean alot. it will get better.

 

[DS13]

It still looks like you may be going a little to fast. Wait for a nice bead pool and go slow the height of the weld may be high at first but as you practice you can go faster and change your settings. Clean metal will help improve the look of your weld as well.

 

[B-Well]

I cleaned off the welds with the wire brush. How can I tell if its penetrating?

like mckutzy said you can cut the test piece in half across the weld and check the penetration.

you still could use some more heat.

rule of thumb for structural parts:

turn the heat up as high as possible before you have burn throughs then turn down a hair.

use the wire speed to adjust the weld pool.
more speed = higher pool
less speed = flatter pool

be precise and fluid with your welding motions.

try to do every motion uniformly across the joint and it will have a much better appearance

 

[redsox985]

Try resting the bend in the nozzle on a gloved hand then aiming and controlling the gun with the other as you slide the gloved hand to keep up with the weld.

 

[cant kech me]

I get paid FRIDAY and that means a auto darkening helmet/wire, maybe some gloves.

SQUARE METAL.

wait, your welding without gloves:toetap05:?

 

[flowerman]

wait, your welding without gloves:toetap05:?

Welding without gloves is ok for occasional welding but sure it's better to get gloves....

 

[cant kech me]

wouldnt he get burnt? i like to up close and personal with my welds. but even when im not if i do anything more than a tacks its HOOOTTTT! getting gloves may help him too.

 

[jdmkid]

i do flux core welding for fun at home. just make little squiggles while welding. or small "o"'s. also keep the tip of the welder near the area where your welding, it helps a lot with control. and always use two hand. way more control.